Frictional resistance exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise device adaptable for exercising that utilizes both a weight and rope friction to provide load resistance is described. Preferred embodiments of the exercise device are adapted for use in conjunction with a doorway and an associated door. By selectively wrapping a rope, which is connected to the weight on one end and a grip on the other, around a cylindrical member, the effective load experienced by a user pulling on the handle is multiplied many times in excess of the weight&#39;s mass. By removably attaching the exercise device to the door and the doorway, no additional framework is required thereby making the device relatively lightweight and compact.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to exercise equipment. Moreparticularly, this invention pertains to a portable exercise apparatusfor use in a doorway and/or in conjunction with a door that utilizessliding friction in conjunction with a weight to provide resistance.

BACKGROUND

In the past 15 to 30 years, exercise and weight training has become verypopular.

Traditional weight training typically uses free weights to maximize theamount of work done by a targeted group of muscles. Typically, theweights are attached the barbells, which a user moves in a desiredmanner to exercise the targeted muscles. Because the weights are notrestrained but merely held by the user, there is a significant risk ofinjury to the user or someone else nearby if the user accidentally let'sgo of the weights. Furthermore, dropped weights can cause damage tofloors and other surrounding surfaces. Another disadvantage of freeweights is that a user can strain or otherwise injure his or her musclesif his or her technique of using the weights is improper.

For reasons of safety and convenience, weights have been incorporatedinto mechanical gyms wherein the user pulls or pushes on handles toraise or lower a set of weights connected to the handles by way ofpulleys and cables. These gyms often require substantial supportstructures to contain the weights and direct the cables and pulleys.Accordingly, these gyms are usually bulky and heavy and are notparticularly suited for use in residences, especially smallerresidences, such as apartments, where space is at a premium.Additionally, these gyms are relatively expensive and tend to provideresistance in a single plane only versus the multi-plane resistance tomovement permitted when a device having a rope pull is utilized.

In the recent past, a number of exercise gyms and apparatus that do notuse weights have found their way into the marketplace. To provide thenecessary resistance to work muscles these gyms and apparatus rely uponvarious types of load inducing mechanisms. Some typical mechanismsinclude springs, elastomeric bands, resilient rods, pneumatic orhydraulic cylinders, wind resistance and magnetic and electronic loadresistance mechanisms. In general, the devices relying on alternativeload inducing mechanisms also require a framework or support structurealthough the framework is often much more compact and lighter than theframework of a gym utilizing weights making it more suitable for use ina residence. Nevertheless, such devices still typically require asubstantial amount of space.

The most compact of home exercise devices are those that utilize gravityin combination with a user's own weight to provide the necessary load towork the user's muscles. These devices, however, are limited in theamount of load or resistance that can be applied to particular musclegroup.

A number of devices have been proposed that utilize frictionalresistance to provide an exercise load, such as the devices described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,343,466, 4,560,160, 5,352,172, 3,510,132. Generally,each of these devices includes one or more handles or grips that areattached to a rope which is wrapped around a friction inducing member.Unfortunately, none of these devices provide a means for automaticallyreturning the handles or grips to their pre-actuated positions. In otherwords, once the user pulls or pushes a first handle or grip, he or shemust typically pull a corresponding second handle or grip to return thefirst handle or grip into its pre-actuated position. Because of this, auser of one of these frictional resistance exercise devices can notsimultaneously exercise both arms. For example, a user can only performa curl exercise on one arm at a time. Further, a user cannot simulate abench press exercise.

Another major disadvantage of several of these prior art frictionalresistance devices is that they or associated bracketry must bepermanently or fixedly attached to a wall or other surface, such as withbolts or screws. This is especially disadvantageous to apartmentdwellers or others who cannot or do not want to permanently fixsomething to the walls or floor of their residence. None of thesedevices provide a convenient means for easily and removably securing thedevices to a potion of a residential structure, such as a door ordoorway.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a frictionalresistance exercise device is described. The exercise device includes aweight, a rope, a T-shaped cylindrical member and a structural support.The rope has first and second ends wherein the first end includes a handgrip and the second end has the weight attached thereto. The T-shapedcylindrical member has an exterior surface around which the first ropeis wrapped. The T-shaped cylindrical member is coupled to the structuralsupport.

In another preferred embodiment, another exercise device is described.This exercise device comprises a weight, a rope, a cylindrical memberand a structural support. The rope has first and second ends wherein thefirst end includes a first hand grip and the second end has the weightattached thereto. The rope is wrapped around an exterior surface of thecylindrical member. The structural support is coupled with thecylindrical member and includes one or more lips. The lips are adaptedto brace against molding surrounding a doorway to hold the structuralsupport in place generally at the top of a doorway.

In yet another preferred embodiment, yet another exercise device isdescribed. This exercise device comprises first and second weights,first and second ropes, at least one door-mountable rope guide, firstand second cylindrical members and a structural support. Each rope hasfirst and second ends. The first end includes a first hand grip and thesecond end has one of the first and second weights attached thereto. Theat least one door-mountable rope guide includes (i) a slot adapted tofit over a top edge of a door and (ii) one of a rope guide slot andpulley adapted to guide one of the first and second ropes over the topedge of the door. Each of the first and second cylindrical members hasan exterior surface around which one of the first and second ropes iswrapped. The structural support comprises a planer section upon whichthe first and second cylindrical members are coupled wherein thecylindrical members are (i) generally axially aligned with each other,and (ii) spaced from each other a sufficient distance to permit a personto lie on the planer section therebetween.

SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric front view of the first resistance apparatusaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric side view of the first resistance apparatusillustrating the associated braking mechanism.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view showing a person exercising using the firstresistance apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart concerning the set up and use of the firstresistance apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an isometric front view of the second resistance apparatus inconjunction with its corresponding rope assemblies.

FIG. 6 is an isometric side view of the second resistance apparatustaken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 illustrating the associated brakingmechanism.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view showing a person exercising using the secondresistance apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart concerning the set up and use of the secondresistance apparatus.

FIG. 9 is an isometric side view of an alternative braking mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of a compact, portable, relatively low cost and relativelylightweight exercise device are described. Embodiments of the inventionutilize one or more weights in combination with rope friction to provideresistance load far greater than would be provided by the weight alone.Further, embodiments of invention make use of a doorway and anassociated door to provide the structural framework for the exercisedevice without being permanently attached to either the doorway or theassociated door. By changing the configuration of the various componentsof the embodiments of the exercise device, a user can use the device toperform a multitude of different exercises. Additionally, a user of thedevice can easily adjust the load resistance be either changing themagnitude of the frictional rope resistance or by changing the mass ofthe weight utilized.

The various embodiments of the present invention offer significantadvantages over prior art exercise devices. For example, embodiments ofthe present invention are safe compared to many other home gyms andexercise devices. The mass of the weights utilized are relatively small(typically under 10 lbs) compared to up to hundreds of pounds with freeweights and weight-based home-gyms. Accordingly, the potential to getinjured by the weights are much less than if they weighed more and nospotter is required to assist a person during exercise as would berequired to safely utilize free weights. Further, because of the use ofrope friction, embodiments of the present invention exhibits littlereverse action. In other words, if a user releases the handle(s) (orgrip(s)) of the device while exercising, the weight does not rapidly andforcefully return to its resting position in contrast to weight-basedhome gyms. Rather, the weight is slowly returned to its resting placedue to braking provided by the rope resistance.

Additionally, unlike other exercise devices utilizing fictionalresistance, embodiments of the present invention can be utilized toperform exercises using both arms simultaneously such as a bench pressexercise, a two arm curl exercise, and chest press exercise. Further,because the weight(s) is utilized in addition to fictional resistance,the weight and the handles are returned to their pre-actuation positionautomatically albeit in a controlled manner without the user having topull on the other end of an associated rope.

The advantages of the present invention and its various embodiments andthe specific embodiments illustrated in described herein are notintended to be construed as limiting. Rather, numerous variations havebeen contemplated that read upon the appended claims and are intended tobe within the scope of the invention.

Terminology

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims isnot meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “eitheror both”.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “apreferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment” and similar phrasesmeans that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodimentof the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment.

The term “coupled” refers to two or more elements that are connectedtogether but not necessarily directly connected together. For example, arope is coupled to a support member even if the rope is not in directcontact with the support member if there is an intervening element orset of elements that are connected to both the rope and the supportmember.

The term “weight” as used herein refers to any element utilized toprovide mass to the exercise device. For example, the weight couldinclude a metallic plate commonly used in exercise devices, a containercontaining a desired amount of solid particulate or liquid, or any otherelement of suitable mass.

The term “rope” as used herein refers to any flexible elongated materialor combination of materials that has a length that is typically at leastin order of magnitude greater than the material's width. Accordingly,“rope” includes, but is not limited to, cord, cable, wire and twine.

The term “T-shaped cylindrical member” as used herein refers to anycylindrical element that has a protrusion extending generallyperpendicularly therefrom. The protrusion may be cylindrical in shape aswell. Typically, the protrusion extends from proximate a center locationalong the length of the cylindrical member. In one preferred embodiment,the T-shaped cylindrical member comprises a copper tee and associatedcopper piping, such as is typically used in plumbing applications. Thecopper pipe permits the rapid dissipation of heat generated as the ropefrictionally slides along the surface of the cylindrical portion and theprotruding portion of the T-shaped cylindrical member.

One Preferred Embodiment of the Exercise Device

One preferred embodiment of the exercise device comprises a systemincluding several distinct components. A first resistance apparatus 105(see FIGS. 1-3) that is attachable the molding 110 surrounding a doorwayincludes a first T-shaped cylindrical member 115 to provide resistanceto the free movement of a rope 120 that is selectively wrappedtherearound. A second resistance apparatus 125 (see FIGS. 4-6) thatrests upon a floor or ground surface includes second and third T-shapedcylindrical members 130 & 135 that also provides finely adjustableresistance to the free movement of other ropes 140 & 145 there areselectively wrapped therearound. Other components include: weights, suchas weight bottles 150 they can be filled with water or sand; theaforementioned ropes; over the doorway rope guides 155; and exercisehandles (or grips) 160. The first and second resistance apparatus can beused in concert with each other or separately depending on theparticular type of exercise a user desires. Furthermore, in certainconfigurations, two weights connected with two ropes terminating in twoexercise handles can be utilized to allow simultaneous exercise of botharms, or in other configurations, a single weight, rope and exercisehandle can be utilized.

The First Resistance Apparatus

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the first resistance apparatus 105 isillustrated. The first resistance apparatus comprises corresponding leftand right mounting pieces 165 & 170 that provide the structural supportfor the first T-shaped cylindrical member 115 that is received into acircular openings 175 (or bores) in each of the mounting pieces. Thefirst resistance apparatus further includes an elongated bolt 180 andcorresponding wingnut 185 that is used to join the first and secondmounting pieces together. Also, a directional braking mechanism 190 isprovided on the right mounting piece to inhibit the first T-shapedcylindrical member 115 from rotating in a first direction (clockwise inFIG. 2) but permitting the first T-shaped cylindrical member to rotatein a second opposite direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 2).

Each mounting piece comprises a typically planar member 195, which inone preferred embodiment is comprised of wood. The planar memberincludes the first circular opening 175 that is sized to receive thefirst T-shaped cylindrical member 115 therethrough. A second circularopening 200 is also provided in each planar member through which theelongated bolt 180 is received to join the first and second mountingpieces together. The top edge of each mounting piece includes a lippedportion 205 that extends perpendicularly from the planar member creatinga downwardly facing surface adapted to rest upon a top edge of themolding 110 that surrounds a typical interior doorway. In one preferredembodiment, the lipped portion also comprises a piece of wood, althoughin alternative embodiments the lipped portion can comprise any suitablematerial including plastic and metal. Furthermore, the lip portion andthe planar member may be integrated as a unitary piece.

A second lipped portion 210 is also provided in each mounting piece 165& 170 that is generally vertically oriented and is located along thevertical edge of the planar member 195. Similarly to the first lipportion 205, the second lip portion extends perpendicularly from theplanar member. The second lipped portion creates a generally verticallyoriented surface adapted to be butted up against the outside edge of thevertically extending side molding 115 of a typical doorway. In onepreferred embodiment, the second lip portion is also constructed fromwood; however, it can be comprised of any suitable material and like thefirst lipped portion, the second lip portion can be integrallyfabricated with the corresponding planar member.

As best illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the left mounting piece 165 isplaced against the molding 115 on one side of a doorway in an uppercorner thereof while the corresponding right mounting piece 170 isplaced against the molding on the other side of the doorway in the samecorner. Each piece is joined together by passing the elongated bolt 180through the corresponding openings 200 and tightening the bolt in placewith the wingnut 185. It is to be appreciated that the first T-shapedcylindrical member 115 is slid through its corresponding openings as thefirst resistance apparatus is secured to the doorway.

Referring to FIG. 1, the first T-shaped cylindrical member 115 typicallycomprises an elongated copper tube 220 approximately 1 in. in diameterthat extends through the corresponding openings in the right and leftmounting pieces when the first resistance apparatus is attached to adoorway. In one variation, the T-shaped cylindrical member comprises acommonly available 1″ copper tee with a ¾″ copper tube extending throughit. Proximate the longitudinal middle of the cylindrical member to aprotrusion 215 extends perpendicularly. Typically, the protrusion isalso cylindrical and has a diameter of about 1 in. Ideally, the surfacesof the first T-shaped member, including the surface of the protrusion,are smooth to minimize heat buildup and abrasion of the associated rope120. Further, the intersecting transition between the elongatedcylindrical portion and a perpendicular protrusion is gradual ratherthan abrupt such that the rope can slide freely thereon. In onepreferred embodiment, the first T-shaped cylindrical member comprises acopper pipe tee. As shown, caps 225 can be provided on either end of thefirst T-shaped cylindrical member and on the protrusion to enclose theends of the copper tee. Caps may also be omitted to facilitate fastercooling of the member during exercise. In alternative embodiments andvariations of the preferred embodiments, the T-shaped cylindrical membercan comprise materials other than copper such as, but not limited to,plastics and metals, although copper is generally preferred because ofits ability to dissipate heat generated as the rope slides against thecylindrical member.

In one preferred embodiment, a gauge mechanism 230 is provided wherebythe user can determine the amount of resistance load that is beingovercome during exercise. The gauge mechanism typically comprises ashort cylindrical piece 235 having a center bore that is slid over andfixedly secured to the first T-shaped cylindrical member 115 such thatit rotates unitarily with the T-shaped cylindrical member. The outsidesurface of the short cylindrical piece has a width sufficient to receivea gauge ribbon 240 wrapped thereupon. One end of the ribbon is fixedlysecured to outside surface while the other end of the ribbon has aweighted position indicator 245 attached thereto. The positionindicator, which typically comprises a nail or other elongated metallicbar in one preferred embodiment, extends generally horizontally. Asshown in FIG. 3, the pointed indicator corresponds to a graduated scale250 that is affixed to an inside surface of the doorway. Typically, thegraduated scale is comprised of either paper or a flexible plasticmaterial with graduations printed on at least one surface. The scale istypically taped or adhesively attached to the inside surface of thedoorway. Operationally, as discussed in greater detail below, the usercan determine the relative amount of resistance load by noting theposition of the weighted position indicator relative to the gradationson the scale.

Referring to FIG. 2, one preferred version of the directional brakingmechanism 190 is illustrated. The braking mechanism includes twoterminus blocks 255, each having an eyelet 260 extending therefrom. Abraking mechanism rope 265 is secured at one end to one of the eyelets,wraps around a portion of the first T-shaped cylindrical member 115 thatextends through the right mounting piece 170 and is secured at its otherend to an elastomeric band 270. The elastomeric band is secured to theother eyelet. The braking mechanism rope is preferably taught such thatthe elastomeric band is held in tension. Operationally, attempting torotate the first T-shaped cylindrical member clockwise applies tensionto the braking mechanism rope as it is pulled relative to its connectionto the first eyelet, thereby tightening the rope's grip to the surfaceof the T-shaped cylindrical member around which it is wrapped.Accordingly, the T-shaped cylindrical member is prevented from rotatingin a clockwise direction. Conversely, as the T-shaped cylindrical memberis rotated counterclockwise, the rope pulls upon the elastomeric bandwhich is secured to the second eyelet. The amount of tension applied tothe rope is thereby limited as the elastomeric band stretches.Accordingly, the T-shaped cylindrical member rotates with minimalresistance in the counterclockwise direction. In alternative embodimentsand variations of the preferred embodiments, different types of brakingmechanisms can be utilized such as, but not limited to, a ratchet andpawl mechanism or the alternative braking mechanism described below withreference to FIG. 9.

As will be discussed below, rotating the T-shaped cylindrical member 115is desirable in order to quickly increase and adjust the amount offrictional load to be applied during exercise. To facilitate easyrotation of the T-shaped cylindrical member in the counterclockwisedirection, an adjustment tool 275 is provided as shown in FIG. 2. Theadjustment tool includes a handle on one end and an elongated bar thatextends from the handle. The bar is received into a pair of holes 280that extend through the T-shaped cylindrical member proximate one endthereof. In one preferred embodiment, the adjustment tool is removableso that it can also be used on the second resistance apparatus describedbelow.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first resistance apparatus is utilized inconjunction with a rope 120 that is looped around the T-shapedcylindrical member 115 terminating at a hand grip 160 on one end and aweight, typically a water bottle 150, at the other end. The totalresistance load experienced by a user pushing or pulling on the handgrip is a factor of the weight of the water bottle multiplied by themagnitude of the resistance to movement of the rope against the T-shapedcylindrical member. The resistance of the rope to movement is relativeto the total contact angle of the rope in radian around the T-shapedcylindrical member. For instance if the rope is wrapped around theT-shaped cylindrical member less than one complete rotation theresistance to movement will be less than if the rope is wrapped aroundthe T-shaped cylindrical member multiple times. Accordingly, by varyingthe number of degrees the rope is wrapped around the T-shapedcylindrical member, a user can selectively modify the resistance loadexperienced at the grip.

Referring to the FIG. 4 block diagram, the setup, use and operation ofone preferred embodiment of the first resistance device is described.First, the user takes the right mounting piece 170, which typicallyincludes the braking mechanism and places it against and on the molding110 of a doorway at an upper corner thereof as indicated in block 405.If the T-shaped cylindrical member 115 is not already in place, the userslides the cylindrical member in place as indicated in block 410. Nextas shown in block 415, the user places the left mounting piece 165 onthe opposing molding on the other side of the doorway whilesimultaneously sliding an end of the T-shaped cylindrical member throughthe corresponding opening in the planar member 195 of the left mountingpiece. At this point, the first resistance apparatus should be restingupon the molding at the corner and on either side of the doorway. Theuser then places the elongated bolt through the aligned openings in eachmounting piece and secures the bolt in place by threading and tighteninga wingnut 185 to secure the bolt and the first resistance apparatus inplace as indicated in block 420.

Once the first resistance apparatus is attached to the doorway, the userconfigures the device to perform a desired exercise. As indicated inblock 425, he/she fills the weight bottle 150 with water, sand oranother substance until a desired weight is achieved if it is notalready filled, and he/she attaches the weight bottle and grip 160 toeither end of the rope 120 if they are not already so attached. The userthen loops the rope proximate its longitudinal center around theprotrusion 215 of the T-shaped cylindrical member 115 as indicated inblock 430. To increase the resistance load encountered at the grip 160as indicated in block 435, the user then takes the adjustment tool 275,places it into the corresponding holes 280 proximate the end of theT-shaped cylindrical member and rotates the T-shaped cylindrical memberin a counterclockwise direction to wrap the rope around the T-shapedcylindrical member increasing the total angle of contact between therope and the T-shaped cylindrical member.

If the user desires to know the amount of resistance required to operatethe apparatus, he/she can hook a scale, such as a common fish weightscale, to the end of the grip and pull the scale to determine theeffective load as indicated in block 440. If the user has a plastic orpaper graduated scale 250 as described above, he/she can place thegraduated scale 250 on the inside of the doorway by aligning the metalindicator 245 described above with the indicia corresponding to theweight indicated when the weight scale was pulled. Accordingly, the usercan then utilize the gauge mechanism 230 when making adjustments to therelative resistance load.

After the device is completely setup and optionally calibrated, the usercan perform any suitable exercise by pulling or and/or pushing the grip160 as indicated in block 445. Subsequent to the pulling or pushing ofthe grip, the user relaxes his/her application of force against the gripand lifts up lightly on the grip to permit the grip and associatedportion of the rope 120 to retract towards the first resistanceapparatus as the weight bottle 150 is pulled downwardly by the force ofgravity. Unlike substantially weight based exercise equipment, the gripretracts in a controlled manner as the frictional resistance of the ropesliding against the T-shaped cylindrical member 115 slows the rate ofrecoil. Advantageously, unlike many prior art exercise apparatusutilizing frictional resistance, the first resistance apparatus does notrequire the user to manually reset the grip and the rope by pulling onthe other end of the rope opposite the grip. Further advantageously,there is no spring back of the weight that could cause injury or damageto items, persons and household animals located near the weight.

The Second Resistance Apparatus

Referring to FIGS. 5-8, the second resistance apparatus 125 isillustrated in conjunction with two ropes, their associated weights andgrips and two rope guides for directing each rope over and around thetop of a door. The second resistance apparatus comprises: a planar basemember 285 adapted to be placed on a ground surface; first and secondT-shaped to cylindrical members 130 & 135; and a pair of flanges 290 foreach T-shaped cylindrical member to couple with the planar base member.Further, a braking mechanism 300 that is generally similar to thebraking mechanism 190 of the first resistance apparatus 105 isassociated with each T-shaped cylindrical member.

The planar base member 285 can be comprised of any suitable materialincluding wood, plastic and metal. The base member is adapted to rest ona ground surface such as a floor and may include feet (not shown)mounted to the bottom side thereof. Generally, the base member issubstantially rigid such that it flexes only minimally when utilized inthe performance of exercise. The base member is typically configured asa rectangle with a pair of flanges 290 extending perpendicularly fromits top surface proximate each widthwise end of the base member. Thelength of the base member is typically long enough such that a user caneither stand between the pairs of flanges and their associated T-shapedcylindrical members 130 & 135 (see FIG. 7) or lay down upon the basemember with his/her shoulders resting on the top surface.

The pairs of flanges 290 can also be comprised of any suitable materialincluding wood, plastic and metal. The flanges extend generallyperpendicularly from the top surface of the base member 285 and arefixed to the base member. Each pair of flanges includes an outsideflange 305 located proximate the edge of the base member and an insideflange 310 spaced longitudinally relative to the base member from theoutside flange. Each flange includes an opening 315 through which aportion of the cylindrical T-shaped member 130 & 135 is received and canrotate or pivot therein. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the openings in eachpair of flanges for the T-shaped cylindrical members are substantiallyaxially aligned with each other. Similar to the first resistance device,the braking mechanism 300 illustrated in FIG. 6 prevents the T-shapedcylindrical member from rotating in a clockwise direction whilepermitting it to turn in a counterclockwise direction.

The T-shaped cylindrical members 130 & 135 are substantially similar tothe T-shaped cylindrical member 115 discussed above concerning the firstresistance apparatus 105, and need not be described in any additionaldetail. As illustrated, caps 225 can be provided to close the ends ofthe cylindrical members as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

Referring to FIG. 6, the braking mechanism 300 is generally similar tothe braking mechanism 190 described above with reference to the firstresistance apparatus and is provided on the outside surface of eachoutside flange 305. The illustrated braking mechanism differs from theone discussed above concerning the first resistance mechanism in thatthe eyelets 260 to which the brake rope 265 and the elastic band 270 areattached are affixed directly into the outside surface of thecorresponding flange; whereas, the eyelets 260 of the braking mechanism190 described above have the eyelets attached to terminus blocks 255which are in turn attached to the sides of the first resistanceapparatus 105. It is to be appreciated that the manner in which thebraking mechanism is configured can vary while still accomplishing thedesired functionality.

Because the second resistance apparatus includes two T-shapedcylindrical members 130 & 135, it can be utilized to perform exerciseson both arms simultaneously as illustrated in FIG. 7. Of course, a usercan also use the apparatus to perform isolated exercises on a single armas well. The ropes 140 & 145 utilized with the second resistanceapparatus 125 and the corresponding weight bottles 150 and hand grips160 are substantially similar to the ropes, grips and weight bottlesutilized with the first resistance apparatus 105 except the length ofthe ropes are typically greater than the rope 120 of the firstresistance apparatus. In one variation; however, the two single handgrips can be replaced with a single hand bar (not shown) that extendsbetween the corresponding ends of both ropes to which its end areattached to simulate a barbell such as when performing curls. As can beappreciated the ropes are wrapped around a corresponding T-shapedcylindrical member in much the same fashion as described above for thefirst resistance device.

Further, to facilitate the use of the apparatus 125 in conjunction witha door, two guides 155 are provided that route the associated ropes 140& 145 over the top of the door. The guides can be made of any suitablematerial such as wood, plastic or metal and typically include a groovein which the rope slides. The groove can be lined with a low frictionmaterial such as Teflon. In variations, the guides can include rollerbearings located in the grooves to lower friction, or in other designsthat may bear little resemblance to the specific guides illustrated inFIG. 5, the guides could comprise freely rotating pulleys.

Referring to the FIG. 8 block diagram, the setup, use and operation ofone preferred embodiment of the second resistance device 125 isdescribed. First as indicated in block 805, a user places the secondresistance apparatus in front of a door that has been opened. Next asindicated in block 810, the user slides the rope over the door guides155 over the top edge of the door. Assuming the user has already filledthe weight bottles 150 with the desired amount of water and/or sand,he/she then places the weight bottles of the opposite side of the dooras the second resistance apparatus and places the ropes 140 & 145 intheir associated guides as indicated in block 815. After that, the ropesare threaded around the protrusions of the T-shaped cylindrical members130 & 135 as indicated in block 820. Finally to complete the setupprocess as indicated in block 825, the user rotates the T-shapedcylindrical members within their associated pair of flanges 290 usingthe adjustment tool 275 to wrap or wind the ropes on to the T-shapedcylindrical members to necessary amount to give the desired resistance.

After the setup is complete, the user situates himself on the basemember 285. For instance, if the user desires to perform curls, he/shewould stand upon the base member facing away from the door as shown inFIG. 7. On the other hand, if the user desires to perform a bench presstype exercise, he/she would lie on the base member with his/hershoulders generally in alignment with the cylindrical members 130 & 135.As desired, the user may put a pad or pillow down over the base memberfor cushioning. The user then takes the grips into his/her hands andperforms the exercise as indicated in block 830. Similarly to the firstresistance apparatus, the weight bottles 150 act to gently return thehand grips 160 to their pre-actuated positions in a safe and controlledmanner.

In another set up of the exercise device that is not illustrated herein,both the first and second resistance apparatus 105 & 125 can be usedtogether. First, the second resistance apparatus 125 is placed generallyin a doorway such that its longitudinal direction corresponds with thewidth of the doorway. A single door guide 155 is placed over andassociated open door. The first resistance apparatus 105 is attached tothe doorway at the upper corner opposite the door. A first rope assemblycomprising a weight bottle 150, a rope 145 and a hand grip 160 isthreaded into the doorway guide and around one of the T-shapedcylindrical members 135 of the second resistance apparatus. A secondrope assembly is then threaded around the T-shaped cylindrical member ofthe first resistance apparatus only for purposes of directional change.In other words, the rope 120 of this rope assembly is not wound aroundthe T-shaped member 115 but rather is simply looped over it, such thatthe first resistance apparatus serves as a directional change devicesimilar to that over the door guide. The rope of the second ropeassembly is then wrapped around the second T-shaped cylindrical member130 of the second resistance apparatus. Using this configuration, theuser can both curl and bench press in a manner similar to that of thesecond resistance apparatus as previously described. This configuration,however, may be desirable in certain circumstances such as when thespace behind an open door is illustrated in FIG. 7 is not sufficient topermit the weight bottles to move freely upwardly and downwardly.Further, this configuration permits a user to move his arms behind hishead as desired; whereas, when using the second resistance apparatusalone, the ability of the user to extend his arms above his head islimited by the door.

An Alternative Braking Mechanism

An alternative braking mechanism that can be used to do either the firstor second resistance apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 9. In general, thealternative braking apparatus operates in much the same manner as thebraking apparatus described above. Specifically, the braking apparatusprevents the rotation of the T-shaped cylindrical member in onerotational direction while permitting rotation in the oppositedirection.

The alternative braking mechanism comprises a rope 330 that has beenfolded in half over onto itself. The rope is wrapped around one end ofthe T-shaped cylindrical member 130 for several rotations and is coupledto one or more elastic bands 270 at its folded end. The elastic bandsare looped over a dowel 335 that extends perpendicularly from the sideflange 305 of the illustrated portion of the second resistanceapparatus. The free ends 340 of the rope are wrapped, generally in afigure eight form, around two parallel dowels 345 that extend upwardlyfrom a terminus block 350 that is fixedly secured to the side flange.Additionally, each free end of the rope is secured to the terminus blockby way of cleat screws 355.

When the rope 330 is tightly secured and wrapped around the T-shapedcylindrical member 130 as illustrated, a user can rotate the T-shapedcylindrical member in a counterclockwise direction but cannot rotate thecylindrical member in a clockwise direction. Accordingly, whenexercising and applying a clockwise bias to the cylindrical member whenpulling the hand grip, the cylindrical member will not to rotate.However, a user can increase the resistance level of the exercise byrotating the cylindrical member counterclockwise and wrapping more ofthe rope 155 associated with a grip 160 and the weight 150 around theT-shaped cylindrical member perhaps using the adjustment tool 275received in the corresponding holes 280 of the cylindrical T-shapedmember.

Alternative Embodiments and Other Variations

The embodiments of the exercise device as illustrated in theaccompanying figures and described above are merely exemplary and arenot meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciatedthat numerous variations to the invention have been contemplated aswould be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit ofthis disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon theappended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope ofthe invention.

For instance, the braking mechanisms as described herein are configuredto prevent the T-shaped cylindrical member from rotating clockwise andpermitting rotation in the counterclockwise direction, but brakingmechanisms in variations and alternative embodiments can be configuredto prevent counterclockwise rotation and permit clockwise rotation. Inother embodiments, the specific configuration of the device may differsubstantially from the exemplary devices illustrated but still fallwithin the scope of the claims.

1. A frictional resistance exercise device comprising: a first weight; afirst rope having first and second ends, the first end including a firsthand grip and the second end having the weight attached thereto; a firstT-shaped cylindrical member with an exterior surface around which thefirst rope is wrapped; and a structural support to which the firstT-shaped cylindrical member is coupled.
 2. The exercise device of claim1, wherein the first T-shaped cylindrical member is rotatably coupled tothe structural support, and the exercise device further comprises adirectional braking mechanism adapted to (i) permit rotation of thefirst T-shaped cylindrical member in a first rotational direction, and(ii) hinder rotation of the first T-shaped cylindrical member in asecond rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. 3.The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the directional brakingmechanism comprises a second rope wrapped around the first T-shapedcylindrical member with a first end being coupled to the structuralmember and a second end being coupled to the structural member by way ofan intervening elastic band.
 4. The exercise device of claim 1, whereinthe first T-shaped cylindrical member comprises copper.
 5. The exercisedevice of claim 1, wherein the structural support is adapted to beplaced on a ground surface and further includes a top surface adaptedfor a user to stand or lay thereon, and wherein the exercise devicefurther comprises (a) a second T-shaped cylindrical member, the secondT-shaped cylindrical member being coupled with the structural member,(b) a second weight, and (c) a second rope with first and second ends,the second rope being wrapped around the second T-shaped cylindricalmember, the first end of the second rope including a second grip and thesecond end of the second rope having the second weight attached thereto.6. The exercise device of claim 5, further comprising one or moredoor-mountable rope guides, each rope guide including (i) a slot adaptedto fit over a top edge of a door and (ii) and one of a rope guide slotand pulley adapted to guide one of the first and second ropes over thetop edge of the door.
 7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein thestructural support comprises: (a) corresponding first and second doorwaymounting pieces, each doorway mounting piece including (i) a generallyplaner portion having a cylindrical opening extending therethrough, thecylindrical opening being adapted to receive an end of the firstT-shaped cylindrical member therein, (ii) a lipped portion extendinggenerally perpendicularly from at least one edge of the planer portionand being adapted to rest upon a top edge of molding surrounding atypical residential doorway; and (b) a connector adapted to secure thecorresponding first and second doorway mounting pieces together.
 8. Theexercise device of claim 7, wherein the first T-shaped cylindricalmember is rotatably coupled to the structural support, and furthercomprises a directional braking mechanism adapted to (i) permit rotationof the first T-shaped cylindrical member in a first rotationaldirection, and (ii) hinder rotation of the first T-shaped cylindricalmember in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotationaldirection.
 9. An exercise device comprising: a weight; a rope havingfirst and second ends, the first end including a first hand grip and thesecond end having the weight attached thereto; a cylindrical member withan exterior surface around which the rope is wrapped; and a structuralsupport, the structural support being coupled with the cylindricalmember and including one or more lips, the lips being adapted to braceagainst molding surrounding a doorway to hold the structural support inplace generally at the top of a doorway.
 10. The exercise device ofclaim 9, wherein the structural support comprises first and seconddoorway mounting pieces, the first doorway mounting piece being adaptedto couple with doorway molding along the top edge of one side of adoorway, and the second doorway mounting piece being adapted to couplewith doorway molding along the top edge of another side of the doorway,each mounting piece further adapted to couple with the cylindricalmember with the cylindrical member generally extending between the firstand second doorway mounting pieces.
 11. The exercise device of claim 10,wherein the structural support further comprises a connecting member,the connecting member adapted to removably couple the first doorwaymounting piece with the second doorway mounting piece.
 12. The exercisedevice of claim 11, where in the connecting member comprises a threadedbolt and an associated nut.
 13. The exercise device claim 9, wherein theweight comprises a container filled with a weighty substance.
 14. Theexercise device of claim 13, wherein the weighty substance comprises atleast one of water, sand, stones, metal particles or bars, and chain.15. The exercise device claim 9, wherein the cylindrical membercomprises a T-shaped cylindrical member.
 16. An exercise devicecomprising: first and second weights; first and second ropes, each ropehaving first and second ends, the first end including a first hand gripand the second end having one of the first and second weights attachedthereto; at least one door-mountable rope guide including (i) a slotadapted to fit over a top edge of a door and (ii) one of a rope guideslot and pulley adapted to guide one of the first and second ropes overthe top edge of the door; first and second cylindrical members, eachhaving an exterior surface around which one of the first and secondropes is wrapped; and a first structural support comprising a planersection upon which the first and second cylindrical members are coupledwherein the cylindrical members are (i) generally axially aligned witheach other, and (ii) spaced from each other a sufficient distance topermit a person to lie on the planer section therebetween.
 17. Theexercise device of claim 16, wherein the first and second cylindricalmembers each comprise a T-shaped-cylindrical member.
 18. The exercisedevice of claim 16, further comprising second structural support, thesecond structural support being coupled with a third cylindrical memberand including one or more lips, the lips being adapted to brace againstmolding surrounding a doorway to hold the second structural support inplace generally at the top of a doorway.
 19. The exercise device ofclaim 16, further comprising first and second directional brakingmechanisms, each mechanism adapted to (i) permit rotation of one of thefirst and second cylindrical members in a first rotational direction,and (ii) hinder rotation of one of the first and second cylindricalmembers in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotationaldirection.
 20. The exercise device of claim 19, wherein at least one ofthe first and second directional braking mechanisms comprises, (a) athird rope having first and second ends, the third rope being wrappedmultiple times around one of the first and second cylindrical memberswith the first end secured to the structural member and the second endcoupled to the structural member by way of an intervening elastic band.21. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first T-shapedcylindrical member is substantially hollow.